Stop Doubting Yourself: 8 Strategies to Overcome Imposter Syndrome (5min read)

It was around IST 8 pm / UAE 6:30 pm on a Sunday. Tim (name changed for confidentiality) had just finished his gym workout after a long, gruelling day at work. It was our 4th one-on-one coaching session together. Tim is a 48-year-old, seasoned mergers and acquisitions specialist working for an investment company in the Middle East owned by a prominent family office.

Tim showed up in a fresh white shirt. He looked shower fresh, and the wetness of his hair shone brightly in the top light. His body still seemed warm from the workout, and his forehead had beads of sweat. As we were chatting in general, I sensed something was amiss. I enquired. "I feel like an imposter", came the response after careful reflection. Tears rolled down his cheeks.

Here is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience. He has closed deals in millions of dollars and euros with projects ranging from Africa to Europe and the Americas.

So, here is an accomplished man who, instead of feeling like a winner, thinks he is a fraud on the inside who could be found out. Unbelievable, right?

What is Imposter Syndrome?

Imposter syndrome was first identified in 1978 by psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes. Despite their evident success, they observed that many high-achieving women felt they didn't deserve their accomplishments and attributed their achievements to luck or external factors rather than their own abilities.

Over time, researchers found that imposter syndrome is not limited to women or any specific demographic—it affects people across genders, industries, and cultures.

Research suggests that up to 70% of people, including high achievers and leaders like Tim, experience imposter syndrome at some point in their careers. You are not alone in this.

Even figures like former U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella have spoken about battling the feeling of self-doubt.

Why Does Imposter Syndrome Happen?

Imposter syndrome could stem from many factors. Usually, it is a combination of the following factors:

1. Upbringing and Childhood Experiences: Children who grow up in environments where their worth is tied to achievement or who receive mixed messages about their abilities.

I am currently working with a client, a sharp and smart 39-year-old institutional sales professional living in the NCR. Her Dad, as she was growing up, would appreciate her for her achievements and add a "but" to highlight a flaw. She was bawling in our first session together as we explored the roots of the misplaced belief.

2. Workplace Culture: In competitive or high-pressure environments, employees may feel they need to prove themselves constantly. They or their manager may compare them with others, leading to self-doubt.

Tim was going through this plateau in his career, by his own admission. His peers, younger than him, were knocking it out of the park. He started to doubt if he still had it in him. He feared that his senior management might find him out.

3. Social Comparisons: With the recent spike in social media usage, you tend to hear many more people achieving success. This imposter feeling tends to get exacerbated.

Leaders, in particular, may compare themselves to peers or industry icons, feeling they don't measure up. I went through this in my initial years as a coach.

4. Fear of Failure: High-achievers often fear failure more than others. This can have different impacts on different people. It can range from over-preparation to procrastination to avoidance of challenges—all of which reinforce imposter feelings.

At the core, imposter syndrome is nothing but a thought in your head. It is a label you give to yourself.

5 Signs of Imposter Syndrome

When the thought of an imposter creeps in, your effectiveness is undermined in more ways than one. Some of the signs are:

1. Decision-Making Paralysis: Leaders with imposter syndrome may second-guess their decisions, fearing they'll make the wrong call.

2. Overworking: To compensate for the feeling of inadequacy, leaders may overwork themselves, striving for perfection and taking on too much responsibility.

3. Reluctance to Take Risks: Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Imposter syndrome can make leaders hesitant to pursue innovative ideas, new projects or take calculated risks.

4. Withholding power: Leaders who doubt themselves may struggle to inspire confidence in their teams. They may also tend to micromanage and withhold delegation. This could stifle their team's development in the long run.

5. Mental Health Struggles: Chronic self-doubt and fear of exposure can lead to anxiety, stress, and even depression, affecting both personal and professional life.

How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome

With self-awareness and intentional effort, leaders can overcome these feelings and thrive. Here are some strategies:

1. Acknowledge Your Feelings: The first step is recognising that you're experiencing imposter syndrome. Understand that these feelings are common and don't reflect your actual abilities.

2. Reframe Negative Thoughts: Challenge self-defeating thoughts by focusing on evidence of your competence. Keep a "success journal" to document your achievements and positive feedback.

3. Talk About It: Find a safe space to share your feelings with someone you trust - it could be your colleague, a mentor, or a coach. I wouldn't be surprised if you'll find resonance with others. Talking openly will help normalise your feelings. Or at least reduce the overwhelming feeling.

4. Embrace the rough edges: No one is perfect. Everyone has rough edges. Mistakes are not a sign of failure but a part of growth. Shift your mindset from perfection to progress, and you'll find that every mistake is a lesson learned.

5. Celebrate Your Successes: Take time to acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small. This helps build confidence and reinforces your sense of competence.

6. Seek Feedback: Regularly ask for constructive feedback from your manager, significant stakeholders and team members. This can provide a more balanced perspective on your performance and help you identify areas for growth.

7. Focus on Contribution: Instead of worrying about being "good enough," Simon Sinek says to focus on the value you bring to your team and organisation. Leadership is about serving others, not proving yourself.

8. Be gentle with yourself: Treat yourself with gentleness and kindness. Treat yourself like you would treat your loved one. You are a human being too.

And yes, please share in the comment if you have any other way of overcoming imposter syndrome.

Conclusion:

Imposter syndrome is a common but less spoken challenge amongst leaders across the length and breadth of an organisation. While it can undermine confidence and effectiveness, overcoming these feelings with self-awareness, support, and intentional action is possible. If you do not have a support system at work or would like a neutral voice to help you, go ahead and hire a coach.

Addressing your imposter syndrome could have a ripple effect. When you model vulnerability and self-compassion, you create a culture where others feel safe to do the same, fostering a more supportive and innovative workplace. Your example could help empower people around you.